Delivering Women from the Snares of Death: Purging Sin to Prosper the Soul

By Paige Coleman

Counting all glory and authority as belonging to God and Him alone, Paige Coleman wisely imparts to her beloved sisters in Christ what it means to faithfully live and love the Word of God. She shows that the prosperity of the soul is a God-given blessing that it is His pleasure to deliver to those who fear Him.
In an in-depth, scripturally-rich investigation of seven biblical women whose lives are given as examples for us to learn by, Paige Coleman will show you how to break the snares that trap you in sin. Delivering Women from the Snares of Death will help you purge your heart from being foolish, clamorous, stubborn, wanton, idle, and usurping, so that you can be blessed and fulfilled in Christ.
Through your courageous willingness to strip your soul of those incessant, worldly habits that thwart your growth in Christ, you will learn how to live a godly and feminine life fulfilling the exciting roles that God has intended for you.
Stand firm in your faith as a single woman, delight your husband and give him glory as a wife, model godliness and joy to your children, and give your Father in heaven every reason to prosper your soul and bejewel your crown of glory in the kingdom that is to come.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 27, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490805832

Paige Coleman

Paige Coleman earned an MA in Anthropology before surrendering her life to Christ in 2003. With the help of her believing husband who led her to the Lord, she abandoned the theory of evolution to pursue the God-given, timeless and Biblical truth. Since then, she has earned her Bachelor of Christian Education, taught Grade Six, and written over 100 articles to help women live a godly life. As a follower of Christ, she reverences her husband and homeschools her sons in the Lord. It is her mission in life to labour for the “meat which endureth” (John 6:27). She has never been so blessed. Paige and her family live in the Caledon hills of Ontario, Canada.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Dedication

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One

Know Wisdom And Instruction

Chapter Two

The Hard Of Heart

Chapter Three

A Strife Among Them

Chapter Four

A Vessel Full Of Holes

Chapter Five

Not Only Idle

Chapter Six

To Usurp Authority

Chapter Seven

The Snare Is Broken

Epilogue

The pangs of death compassed me, and the torrents of ungodliness

troubled me exceedingly. The pangs of hell came round about me: the snares of death prevented me.

(Psalm 18:4-5 LXX)

DEDICATION

With humility and joy, I daily acknowledge the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in my heart and dedicate this labour of love to Him, for His glory.

Secondly, to my husband whose strength, integrity, and self-sacrifice have in our marriage been a faithful representation of the relationship between Christ and His church. Thank you for making it easy to love, honour, and obey you.

FOREWORD

By Peter Coleman

As I begin this foreword I must first give recognition to the One that made it all possible, Jesus Christ the Lamb of God, a person of the trinity. The Father’s love sent Him to atone for our sins. His sinless life and obedience to the Father’s will established His righteousness. By dying on a cross meant for criminals, He shed His blood to atone for the sins of the world. His subsequent resurrection from death made it possible for my sins to be forgiven and my eyes to be opened. I am saved, not by my power, but by His holy and selfless sacrifice; He exchanged my sins for His righteousness. To you, Lord, be all the glory, honour, and praise now and for ever. Amen.

Who is Paige Coleman and how can she speak as an authority on this matter? Sure, she has spent many years in university—even secured for herself a Master’s degree with distinction in Anthropology. It’s all rubbish in my opinion, especially when none of it was saving her soul from hell. Like Solomon said, all is vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2b LXX). She grew up in a pseudo-Christian environment that did little to establish the credibility and reality of the All-Mighty. In conjunction, public school and post-secondary institutions of higher learning, and other worldly influences did a splendid job in her younger years to lead her, step-by-step, toward the gates of hell.

When we met I realized right away that she was a boat being tossed in the ocean, trying to convince herself that her life was normal. I began to share the gospel with her and answer every question or debating point she had about God. Simply put, I was ready to answer words of truth to them that question thee (Proverbs 22:21b LXX). This was not because I was the apostle Paul reborn, but because when I was freed myself by Christ, I was determined never to be deceived again. I had spent un-tolled hours researching the Bible, world history, and the sciences. I was saved through faith in Him, but now knew the proof of Him.

Praise be to God in the highest, Paige heard the voice of the Shepherd, and was saved. Since then she has dedicated her life to Him in every way. She has since had some royal battles with her flesh, resisting the sin within her, determined to do the Master’s will. She realized, as I had explained to her early on, that to deny certain things about God as outlined in scripture while accepting others is to deny the God-inspired nature of scripture. The person that does this is committing idolatry. Understanding this, she read and memorized the Word daily, striving to walk closer to the God of the Bible.

Like an amazing metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly, my wife has transformed from a struggling new Christian to a God-blessed Titus 2 woman. She is my glory, and another proof that God’s Word is truth and profitable for instruction. She feels the peace and joy that come from knowing God’s will. How does she know God’s will? She reads the Bible. It really is as simple as that.

Paige is spoken of by fellow Christians as a tremendous example of a Biblical woman, wife, and mother. My unchristian colleagues think that she is incredible and wish they were married to one such as her. This reinforces what I already know about my wife. She is not perfect, but she sure is getting there. At this point, I believe she will heap more treasure at the feet of our Lord than I will. God bless you, honey.

Ultimately, this is a book written by a Christian woman for Christian women. This does not mean that men cannot profit from reading it; in fact, they would profit greatly. I also think it is important for—and the responsibility of—a husband or father to discern the Biblical accuracy of Christian literature. Remember that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6). A little bit of poison makes the whole meal poisonous. Therefore, it is critical that we do not arbitrarily call something Christian because someone else calls it so, but only after testing it against the scriptures. I have every confidence that if tested faithfully against the Word, this book will stand.

Enjoy, be edified, seek His face, and be blessed.

Peter

PREFACE

Several years ago it occurred to me that for me to be a Christian, I needed to know Christ well enough to do what He required of me. King David said to God, I have hidden thine oracles ¹ in my heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11 LXX). David knew that the best way to keep from sinning against God was to learn His Word and do what it says. From that day forward I strove to follow his example. I did more than just read the Word each day—I began to memorize it so that His commandments would abide in my heart. The outcome was astonishing. A process of change was begun in me to bring the way I thought, spoke, and behaved under obedience to Christ.

Almost immediately I discovered that the blessings from above began to pour out on me. I experienced peace of mind, solace, joy, and wisdom. My mind was renewed. I was inspired and hopeful. The things of this world began to dull, darken, and disappear. I was walking closer to Christ and I was living in His will. None of this resulted from my own merit, but from the righteousness of Jesus Christ, whose grace is sufficient for all of us.

A few years later while perusing an online Q&A for Christian women, I noticed that almost every question women asked had an answer in God’s Word. I was inspired to use scripture to supply some of those answers. After two years of writing, I was able to draw two profound but troubling conclusions. The first was that all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s (Philippians 2:21) and the second was that there is a great need for Christian women to mentor others based not on their own wisdom, but on the wisdom that descendeth from above (James 3:17a).

Soon I was inspired to address these problems by writing a book for women. My intention was threefold. First, I was so full of enthusiasm and joy over how God’s Word had blessed me that I wanted to share that joy with my fellow sisters in Christ. Second, I wanted to encourage women to seek God’s will, not their own, so that their joy could be full. And third, it is my heart’s desire to elevate the Word of God to its rightful position as the ultimate authority over us all. If it were recognized as such, all counsel would be sought from it, not from the world, and not from the grossly exaggerated estimation of human authority.

As I sat down to write, I rejoiced at being counted worthy to labour in Jesus’ Name for the benefit of other women like me who love the Lord, who want to learn about Him, grow closer to Him, and be blessed. I realized that many women do not have the benefit of sound Bible teaching. They have many questions that too few are able to answer justly, truthfully, or righteously. It became both a joy and an obligation to impart many of the lessons the good Lord had taught me to others, and it is my most sincere desire to see others benefit from the same.

There are two things that I can say with relative certainty about this book. First, it has the potential to deeply offend you (I apologize in advance!). Second, it will be very much worth it in the end (I rejoice with you in advance!). God bless you as you take on this challenge, for Him and for His glory wrought courageously through you.

It is my privilege to acknowledge my dearest sister for ironing out the early wrinkles, my father for poring over the scriptural details, and my gracious Titus 2 mother for penning the Bible study. I must also thank my intrepid editor for his diligence and encouragement, and a special thanks to a new and dear friend, A.T. Most importantly, my heart rejoices in the love and encouragement freely given me by my husband whose Biblical insight, spiritual discernment, and boldness in Christ have never ceased to incur my respect and admiration.

Thank you.

Paige

INTRODUCTION

I was never a perfect woman, nor do I claim to have been. In fact, I can assure you that I have made every mistake in this book! I am neither glorious nor worthy of your admiration; but I know the One who is. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, the Lord of glory. He has given us the truth in His written Word for us to profit by. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : That the man of God may be perfect , thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

It is for this reason that I fully intend, without apology, to quote the words of our precious Lord and Saviour as often as possible. There is no understanding, authority, or truth apart from the Word of God.

I have read Christian books whose authors either quote, misquote, or paraphrase God’s Word as a single verse at the beginning of a chapter. They proceed to pen pages and pages of personal opinions that have departed from the Biblical truth. The more they rely on their self-appointed authority, the more their words become inundated with unsubstantiated humanist claims that openly contradict the Bible. They stray so far from reality that they become guilty of spreading false doctrine. These authors are dangerous and are to be avoided. They have assisted in the devil’s efforts to lead us astray. I have no intention of incurring God’s wrath by following suit. It is for this reason that I ask you to check what I have written against the Word of God. If I am in error, do not choose to believe me. Choose to believe the Bible.

What tends to happen when reading the Holy Scriptures is a tug at the conscience—to put it mildly. For some, reading the Word of God is far more than a tug; it is more like a violent wrenching! It can be downright uncomfortable. The Bible verses coupled with the information in this book may have a similar effect. Please do not cower in anticipation of it. It is the chastening of the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:32), which He reserves for His beloved children (Hebrews 12:7). Although it may at first be grievous, nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11). When you feel the nudge or the pull, or the pounding, or the yanking, or the still, small voice—stop. Stop and offer your Father in heaven your most sincere gratitude. He chastens those He loves.

Chastening is to be both expected and embraced if we are to learn from our Father in heaven who loves us enough to admonish us. I ask you, therefore, to be not dismayed if you are so convicted, but rejoice. I can assure you that the everlasting reward will be worth the temporary discomfort.

The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12b). It is an incredible and edifying experience to recognize the darkness of your own heart. Incredible because you could not have predicted what you saw, and edifying because you could not have worked harder to make it go. Because the Word laid my heart bare, exposing the dirt within, I was able—and continue to strive—to systematically deal with the character flaws that manifest themselves in my life. This book is designed to lay these flaws bare for you, so that you can learn to recognize them and overcome them with the Lord’s help. Since it is God which searcheth the reins and hearts (Revelation 2:23b), I ask that you read with this attitude: Prove me, O God, and know my heart; examine me, and know my paths; and see if there is any way of iniquity in me, and lead me in an everlasting way (Psalm 139:23-24 LXX).

For the glory of the Lord, I changed for the better. You can change, too. If you have willing hands and a contrite heart, the Lord will bring you closer to Him and you will abide in His will. His blessings will abound, and you will rejoice in your deliverance.

The main part of this book will be a compilation of examples provided for us by the Bible. Because it is written by a woman, for women, I will focus on female examples. When I began my search through scripture, I was surprised to find so many gloomy stories pertaining specifically to women. Each snapshot triggered a warning bell for me. I was either convicted in a current area of my life or taught a lesson in advance. I am still learning. Because my desire to live for the Lord outweighed my desire to live for myself, I was delighted to learn how to avoid incurring His displeasure. I hope you will too.

My initial example search gave me a nineteen-point list. I have condensed it to six, the number of sin, and qualified them with both modern and Biblical adjectives. See if any of these descriptors resonate in your heart:

1. Foolish (self-deceived, self-destructive)

2. Stubborn (hard-hearted, disobedient)

3. Clamorous (contentious, striving)

4. Wanton (unfulfilled, shameless)

5. Idle (lazy, unfruitful)

6. Usurping (avaricious, rebellious)

As you read through this list, did you think of any way these adjectives apply to you? Each word will be described thoroughly for you in context in the upcoming chapters. I will give you a Biblical example as well as a modern example of each profile so that you can learn to identify and avoid cultivating these traits in yourself and over-exposing yourself to these traits in others. Please apply each word to yourself first and not to another woman you know. This book is not intended to give you ammunition against the women in your life. It is intended to help you improve your own life.

These six traits are examples of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19a). Not one of them, if left unchecked, leads to eternal life (Galatians 5:21b). They are examples of the snares of corruption and ungodliness which lead to eternal death. They can and must be purged, so that you can become a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work (2 Timothy 2:21b).

The Biblical examples are applicable to both men and women and are illustrated Biblically by both men and women. However, I have designed them to help women. Therefore, throughout this book, I address women but retain the old English use of the term man when quoting scripture. The King James English uses the term man generically unless context dictates otherwise. Please apply this term to yourself as you read. For example, the following verse applies to you: For by the hearing of these a wise man will be wiser, and a man of understanding will gain direction (Proverbs 1:5 LXX).

There will be a positive example in the seventh chapter of this book for you to look forward to: 7. Blessed (prospered, fulfilled). Please persevere and read to the end!

At the end of each chapter is a section entitled Think on These Things, considerately submitted by my 67-year-old mother. It is based on Philippians 4:8-9:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Bible verses have been included as a help for reassurance and study.

Thy law is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths (Psalm 119:105 LXX). I pray that this book will bear sufficient truth, that the references to the Word of God may outnumber all others, and that no single reader will choose to accept my words without first accepting the wisdom that is from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).

A Note on Bible Versions

The Bible verses quoted from the New Testament are from The Holy Bible, Authorized King James Version. For information about understanding this version’s vocabulary and grammar, I recommend that you watch Gail Riplinger’s English Lesson on youtube.

For the Old Testament, I quote Sir Lancelot C.L. Brenton’s Septuagint with Apocrypha: Greek and English (1851). I do this for a few reasons. First, the Greek Old Testament words spoken by Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament are directly quoted from the Greek Septuagint. No other Old Testament contains these quotations word for word as Jesus spoke them. Second, the Septuagint contains every prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament while some are missing from other Old Testament Bible versions. Third, Brenton’s English translation corresponds beautifully with the New Testament KJV, making cross referencing and word comparisons easy as well as profitable. Its usage will be indicated by the Roman numeral for 70, which is LXX, following the verse reference.

In a few instances, I have referred to The Book of Jasher.² This is meant to elucidate the Biblical account. It is not intended to reflect the opinion that The Book of Jasher is inspired. This book, although referred to in scripture,³ is not included in the Biblical canon.

For purposes of clarity, I use common names for all Old Testament characters instead of the names rendered from the Greek in the Septuagint. For example, Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinheas, will be written as such. In the Septuagint, the names would have been Heli, Ophni and Phinees. I would rather not cause the reader any unnecessary furrowing of the eye brows over such a simple matter. Similarly, I will use common book titles. For example, in the Septuagint, I & II Samuel are I & II Kings, and I & II Kings are called III and IV Kings. I make these alterations for the reader’s ease as well as my own and intend no malfeasance toward either Biblical source.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

(1 Peter 4:11)

CHAPTER ONE

KNOW WISDOM

AND INSTRUCTION

PROVERBS 1:2 LXX

The Bible contains instruction for virtually every facet of human life. Many of the examples